<p>I recently received my Associates degree from a WA community college. If I go to a public school other than UW-Seattle, all of my credits will transfer and I will automatically be a junior. Unfortunately, no WA schools have good programs for my primary major (African American Studies*). I also have no desire to return to WA.</p>
<p>I was accepted into my dream school, University of Maryland: College Park, which has a great AAS program as well as a few others that I would like to get into. The campus is just what I’m looking for and where I am looking for it (big school, but in/near a city). However, tuition is roughly $40K+ per year and I haven’t gotten word about any financial aid yet.</p>
<p>I’m waiting to hear back from Howard University, which is another dream school for different reasons. I would prefer to study AAS at a HBCU, as well as finish out my undergrad experience at a HBCU. But HU’s admin team is notoriously atrocious and I’m not sure they have much financial aid to offer me. The school is about $25K per year.</p>
<p>I was also accepted in my safety, Georgia State, but that is an ultimate last choice. </p>
<p>My biggest fear is being more than $7K in debt after undergrad, because I plan to go to grad school. My first two years of college were paid 100% by scholarships and grants so it would only be for 2-2.5 years of schooling. I am considering staying in-state (WI) or moving back to WA to take advantage of in-state tuition benefits. But, I strongly dislike the idea of having to settle. I hate WI with a passion and would rather not return to WA.</p>
<p>My question to you all is: what would you do, and why? Would you sacrifice happiness at your dream school for convenience at a local school? Each option has its pros and cons, but I can’t figure out with pros are worth the cons and which cons are not worth the pros. I would love to hear from people who have completed undergrad, but those who are still in it are more than welcome to respond as well. Thanks.</p>
<p>*Subject to change, because I'm indecisive.</p>